On May 21, 2025, an Israeli military incident near the Jenin refugee camp sparked immediate global diplomatic backlash, especially from European governments. Our latest report, From Jenin to Brussels, analyzes how this tense moment played out across international media and social platforms between May 21 and May 31.
This in-depth study spans coverage from over 90 countries and three major social media platforms: X, Facebook, and Telegram. It reveals how divergent national interests and geopolitical leanings influenced the portrayal of the event. While outlets like The Times emphasized European outrage, others such as CBC highlighted the Israeli military’s defense, showcasing a striking narrative split.
A key insight? The intense media spike was short-lived. Coverage peaked in the first 48 hours, then dropped dramatically, illustrating how quickly even high-stakes diplomatic incidents fade from public attention. Social media followed a similar trend, with X showing the most sustained activity.
The report also draws attention to Bulgaria’s notably subdued response. Despite early mentions of a Bulgarian diplomat’s potential involvement, local media coverage remained sparse and largely neutral, relying heavily on foreign sources. This contrast underscores the variability in national media priorities and the risks of silence in volatile diplomatic moments.
Among the most mentioned public figures were Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Deputy Consul Alessandro Tutino, both central to the Italian media’s robust response. Meanwhile, Western leaders took to social media to issue firm condemnations, amplifying diplomatic tensions and shaping public sentiment.
From Jenin to Brussels offers a timeline of how rapidly narratives form, shift, and dissipate. For governments, communicators, and analysts, it highlights the critical need for real-time media monitoring and agile messaging strategies during crises.
Read the full report to explore the data, country breakdowns, and strategic recommendations that can help your organization stay ahead of the media curve.
